Each year, cosmetic procedures are becoming more advanced, more affordable and more widely accepted. We asked top cosmetic dermatologist Dr John Curran how he became interested in Dermatology, how women’s opinions on ageing have changed and what the most common procedure is today.
Q. How long have you been interested in Dermatology and how long have you been practicing?
I have had an interest in Dermatology throughout my medical career having added the Diploma in Dermatology 16 years ago to my medical degree.orderline 0800 072 9510
Q. When you first started out, what were the most common procedures requested compared with today?
Botox and Dermal Fillers were the big new thing and most patients kept treatment a secret from friends and family. Now these are so common place that it is little different than going to the hairdressers. Today, sagging sun damaged skin with poor underlying skin health is the most common complaint. Unfortunately, hype in the media about ‘lunchtime treatments’ have lead the public to believe certain treatments are simple straight forward procedures. You need to be very careful who treats you and to ensure the doctor has the necessary training and skill to achieve subtle, refreshing results.
Q. What treatments are available today which, in your opinion, give the best anti-ageing results?
A good skin care regime should underpin all treatments and often creates the canvas on which all other treatments can be worked on. Phytic acids, antioxidants and particularly vitamin A analogues combined with a good sun block can give surprisingly good results without the need for invasive treatments. The classic Botox used subtlety in combination with volumising techniques has replaced simple dermal filling. A personal favourite of mine is skin tightening with Thermage in combination with Sculptra both of which stimulate the body to produce new tissue including collagen. The results can be quite phenomenal.
Q. Compared to 20 years ago, do you think people are becoming more obsessed with their appearance and trying to keep ageing at bay?
No, but I do believe there is a realisation in the ever more pressurized employment market that looking fresh and relaxed can have a positive impact on your work colleagues and clients alike.
Q. What are the best anti-ageing ingredients in skincare? How do the results compare with dermatological treatments?
Often when people say they have dry, oily or sensitive skin they arereally just describing poor skin health (mainly the result of excessivesun exposure). That’s why preventing UV damage by avoidance or sun blocking is important. However it is possible to reverse thedamage by using topical agents which are absorbed intothe dermis. Clinical studies have demonstrated a return to normal skin thickness, increasedwater holding capacity and a restorationof normal mitosis (cell division)after using vitamin A (retinol)related topical skin care products.
Q. Where do you see dermatological treatments going in the future?
There is no doubt the most exciting advances in dermatological treatments will come from research into stem cell therapies. Already early research has shown how we can stimulate the growth of new tissue. We know that antioxidants can reverse skin damage but some (such as vitamin C) are poorly absorbed by the skin. Therefore, there is also continuing research on new antioxidant topical agents. Another significant advancement and exciting field is topical application of natural hormones.
Q. What would be your biggest tip to look after skin and keep it looking youthful?
Start young and plan for the future. Use a sun block regularly, don’t smoke and think…SKINHEALTH! For more information on treatments, visit the Aesthetic Skin Clinic’s website, www.askinclinic.co.uk
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